Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, is calling for hundreds of brave swimmers to take on their Icebreaker challenge this January and take a winter dip in the cold waters of Parliament Hill Lido to raise
money for people experiencing homelessness.
The annual Icebreaker challenge will be taking place from 12pm at Parliament Hill Lido on Saturday 27th January. Participants can either join the event solo and swim a width of the pool, or team up with friends and race in the relay. With registration costing £15, all money raised will go towards Crisis’ mission to end homelessness in Great Britain.
The event is being held after another year of rising homelessness in London and across the country – with over 4,000 people forced to sleep rough between July and September in the capital last year. Crisis’ annual Icebreaker challenge is vital in helping the charity raise awareness and support for people facing homelessness.
Homelessness is hard at any time of year, but for many, the potential loneliness and freezing temperatures during winter can be particularly challenging. Crisis’ three Skylight centres across London will
be offering warmth, companionship, and vital support to those experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of year.
Rob Halkyard, Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Fundraising at Crisis, said:
“Right now, tens of thousands of households across Britain are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including sleeping on the streets,
spending night after night on friends and families’ sofas or being stuck in crowded B&Bs and hostels. Others will be worrying
about how they’re going to pay their rent as rising financial pressures push more and more to the brink.
“But it doesn’t have to be this way. At Crisis we are committed to ending homelessness for good, offering vital support to help people find a stable home and access education and training, so they can rebuild their lives. Whether
you decide to take the icy plunge alone or make a splash with your friends, you’ll be helping someone to begin their journey out of homelessness this January.”
As well as helping to raise vital funds for Crisis, Icebreaker participants can also benefit from cold water swimming, with evidence suggesting it can help with mental and physical
health. Many people have found that it can also aid their bodies to deal with stress, while endorphins leave them with a post swim high.
Registration is also open for people who would prefer to organise their own cold-water challenge. Crisis is encouraging people to join the Do It Yourself (DIY) challenge and take the plunge however they like, wherever they are.
For more information and to register for a place, visit
https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/crisis-icebreaker/
